Meter pit apparatus

ABSTRACT

A plurality of water meter pit inserts and water meter pit enclosures are disclosed. A plurality of marker apparatus for the location of water meter pit enclosures are also disclosed.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/127,324, filed May 12, 2008, titled METER PITAPPARATUS, docket TZ-P0002, the disclosure of which is expresslyincorporated by reference herein.

This application is related to application Serial No. (unknown), filedMay 6, 2009 (Attorney Docket No. TZ-P0002-01), the disclosure of whichis expressly incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to meter pit apparatus and moreparticularly water meter pit inserts and water meter pit enclosures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Meter pit enclosures are known to house a water meter. These meter pitenclosures are placed in the ground and couple a water meter placedtherein to a water inlet line and a water outlet line below groundlevel. The water meter should be kept a certain distance below groundlevel to minimize the likelihood that the water therein freezes anddamages the water meter. The distance below ground differs based on theclimate of the installation site.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a water meterenclosure is disclosed. In another exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure, a water meter insert is disclosed. In a further exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure, a marking apparatus is disclosed.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus forhousing a water meter which is connected to a first water line and asecond water line such that water flows from the first water linethrough the water meter and to the second water line is provided. Theapparatus comprising a water meter pit enclosure; a water meter pitinsert positioned within an interior of the water meter pit enclosure; afirst flexible water line coupler supported by the water meter pitinsert and adapted to be coupled to the water meter and the first waterline; a second flexible water line coupler supported by the water meterpit insert and adapted to be coupled to the water meter and the secondwater line; and at least one coupler coupling the water meter pit insertto the water meter pit enclosure. The water meter pit insert supportingthe water meter. The water meter pit insert being spaced apart from thewater flowing from the first water line through the water meter and tothe second water line. In one example, the water meter pit insert issupported by the water meter pit enclosure. In a variation thereof, thewater meter pit insert is spaced apart from a bottom of the water meterpit enclosure. In another example, the water meter pit insert generallycenters the water meter in an interior of the water meter pit enclosure.In a further example, the water meter pit insert supports the firstwater line and supports the second water line. In still another exampleat least a portion of the water meter pit insert has an interior and thefirst water line and the second water line each pass through an interiorof at least the portion of the water meter pit insert. In yet a furtherexample, the water meter pit insert provides a rigid support to hold thewater meter in a first position relative to water meter pit enclosure.In a variation thereof, the first position is generally centeredside-to-side and end-to-end in the water meter pit enclosure. In still afurther example, the at least one coupler is coupled to an upstandingwall of the water meter pit enclosure at a first location and at asecond location generally opposite from the first location. In avariation thereof, the water meter pit enclosure includes a first sidewall and a second side wall opposite the first side wall, the firstlocation being within the first side wall and the second location beingwithin the second side wall. In another variation thereof, the at leastone coupler includes at least two supports which span from the firstlocation to the second location and pass through the water meter pitinsert between the first location and the second location. In yet stillanother example, the water meter pit insert includes an interior havinga first opening located proximate a lower portion of the water meter pitinsert and a second opening located proximate a location of the watermeter, wherein airs flows from the first opening through the interior ofthe water meter pit insert and out of the second opening.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatusfor housing a water meter which is connected to a first water line and asecond water line such that water flows from the first water linethrough the water meter and to the second water line is provided. Theapparatus comprising a water meter pit enclosure; and a water meter pitinsert positioned within an interior of the water meter pit enclosure.The water meter pit insert supporting the water meter. The water meterpit insert being spaced apart from the water flowing from the firstwater line through the water meter and to the second water line andhaving a variable length to adjust a depth of the water meter from a topportion of the water meter pit enclosure. In one example, the watermeter pit insert includes discrete lengths corresponding to discretedepths of the water meter from the top portion of the water meter pitenclosure. In a variation thereof, the water meter pit insert includesan upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being slidablyengaged with the lower portion. In a further variation thereof, theupper portion includes a first upstanding support member which isarranged in a telescoping arrangement with a second upstanding supportmember of the lower portion. In yet a further variation thereof, one ofthe first upstanding support member and the second upstanding supportmember has a locator coupled thereto which is received in a plurality ofslots of the other of the first upstanding support member and the secondupstanding support member. In still a further variation thereof, theplurality of slots includes a longitudinal slot and a plurality oftransverse slots which intersect with the longitudinal slot, whereinwhen the locator is positioned in the longitudinal slot the firstupstanding support member is translatable relative to the secondupstanding support member to adjust the length of the water meter pitinsert and when the locator is in one of the plurality of transverseslots the first upstanding support member is rotatable relative to thesecond upstanding support member. In another example, the water meterpit insert includes an interior having a first opening located proximatea lower portion of the water meter pit insert and a second openinglocated proximate a location of the water meter, wherein airs flows fromthe first opening through the interior of the water meter pit insert andout of the second opening. In a further example, the water meter pitinsert includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portionbeing slidably engaged with the lower portion. In a variation thereof,the position of the upper portion of the water meter pit insert relativeto the lower portion of the water meter pit insert is controlled by apneumatic system. In a further variation, the pneumatic system includesan air chamber supported by the lower portion of the water meter pitinsert and a piston disposed within the air chamber, the pistonsupporting the upper portion of the water meter pit insert. In still afurther variation, the air chamber is in fluid communication with an airline and wherein the upper portion of the water meter pit insert israised by increasing the air pressure within the air chamber bycommunicating pressurized air through the air line. In yet still afurther variation, the air line is tethered to an upper portion of thewater meter pit enclosure.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, anapparatus for housing a water meter which is connected to a first waterline and a second water line such that water flows from the first waterline through the water meter and to the second water line is provided.The apparatus comprising a water meter pit enclosure; a water metersupport positioned within an interior of the water meter pit enclosure,the water meter support supporting the water meter; and a pneumaticsystem coupled to the water meter support to adjust a depth of the watermeter from a top portion of the water meter pit enclosure. In oneexample, the water meter support is spaced apart from the water flowingfrom the first water line through the water meter and to the secondwater line.

In still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, anapparatus for housing a water meter which is connected to a first waterline and a second water line such that water flows from the first waterline through the water meter and to the second water line is provided.The apparatus comprising a water meter pit enclosure; a water metersupport positioned within an interior of the water meter pit enclosure,the water meter support supporting the water meter; and a liftingapparatus coupled to the water meter support to adjust a depth of thewater meter from a top portion of the water meter pit enclosure. Thelifting apparatus including a linear actuator. In one example, thelinear actuator has a first length corresponding to a first depth of thewater meter and a second length corresponding to a second depth of thewater meter. In a variation thereof, the lifting apparatus includes alifting arm supporting the water meter support, the lifting arm beingcoupled to the linear actuator and moveable therewith such that when thelinear actuator has the first length the lifting arm supports the watermeter at the first depth and when the linear actuator has the secondlength the lifting arm supports the water meter at the second depth. Ina further variation, the lifting apparatus includes an engagement memberoperatively coupled to the linear actuator and which is engageable by atool introduced through an opening proximate a top of the water meterpit enclosure, the tool being able to adjust the length of the linearactuator. In yet another example, the water meter support is spacedapart from the water flowing from the first water line through the watermeter and to the second water line.

In yet still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, anapparatus for housing a water meter which is connected to a first waterline and a second water line such that water flows from the first waterline through the water meter and to the second water line is provided.The apparatus comprising a water meter pit enclosure; a lid supported bythe water meter pit enclosure and having an opening therein; a watermeter pit insert positioned within an interior of the water meter pitenclosure and supporting the water meter; and a handle apparatus coupledto the water meter pit insert, the handle apparatus extending above thewater meter. In one example, the water meter is positioned at a serviceposition proximate to the opening in the lid and a second position lowerthan the service position. In a variation thereof, the service positionis up to about 16 inches from the opening in the lid. In anothervariation thereof, the service position is about 14 inches from theopening in the lid. In another example, the handle apparatus is used tomove the water meter from the second position to the service position.In a variation thereof, the handle apparatus extends through the openingin the lid when the water meter is in the service position. In a furthervariation thereof, the handle apparatus includes at least one supportmember which is supported by the lid when the water meter is in theservice position. In another variation thereof, the handle apparatus mayserve as a brace when the water meter in the second position. In stillanother variation thereof, an end of the handle apparatus contacts thelid when the water meter is in the second position. In another example,the water meter pit insert being spaced apart from the water flowingfrom the first water line through the water meter and to the secondwater line.

In yet still a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,an apparatus for housing a water meter which is connected to a firstwater line and a second water line such that water flows from the firstwater line through the water meter and to the second water line. Theapparatus comprising a water meter pit enclosure; and a water meter pitinsert positioned within an interior of the water meter pit enclosure.The water meter pit insert having an interior, at least a first openingin fluid communication with the interior of the water meter pit insertproximate a lower portion of the water meter pit enclosure and a secondopening in fluid communication with the interior of the water meter pitinsert proximate the water meter, wherein airs flows from the at least afirst opening through the interior of the water meter pit insert and outof the second opening. In one example, the water meter pit insert has avariable length to adjust a depth of the water meter in the water meterpit enclosure.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a watermeter pit enclosure is provided. The water meter pit comprising anenclosure body having an interior for receiving a water meter; and atleast one moveable marker coupled to the enclosure body. The moveablemarker being moveable from a first position wherein a top portion of theat least one moveable marker is extended a first distance above theenclosure body to a second position wherein the top portion of the atleast one moveable marker is closer to a top edge of the enclosure body.

In still a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, amarking assembly for use with a water meter pit enclosure is disclosed.The marking assembly comprising a support; a plurality of markerscoupled to the support and positionable about a top portion of the watermeter pit enclosure; and a flag extending between the plurality ofmarkers.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the followingdetailed description of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the bestmode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description of the drawings particularly refers to theaccompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a water meter pit assemblyincluding a water meter pit enclosure and a water meter pit insert;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the water meter pit assembly of FIG.1;

FIG. 2A illustrates a template to provide opening locations in the watermeter pit enclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates an end view of the water meter pit assembly of FIG.1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the water meter pit assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the water meter pit assembly of FIG.1;

FIG.6 illustrates a perspective view of the water meter pit insert ofFIG. 1 with a water meter coupled thereto;

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate top portion of the water meter pitassembly of FIG. 6 including a yoke bar to support the water meter;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of another water meter pitassembly including a water meter pit enclosure and a water meter pitinsert;

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of the water meter pit assembly of FIG.8;

FIG. 10 illustrates an end view of the water meter pit assembly of FIG.8;

FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of the water meter pit assembly of FIG.8;

FIG. 12 illustrates a bottom view of the water meter pit assembly ofFIG. 8;

FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of the water meter pit insert of FIG. 11with a spacer removed to illustrate a location of an opening in thewater meter pit insert for air flow;

FIG. 14 illustrates a representative view of a water meter pit enclosureand a water meter pit insert having a variable length support whichsupports a water meter and allows a depth of the water meter to bechanged;

FIG. 15 illustrates a representative view of a water meter pit enclosureand a water meter pit insert having a pneumatic support which supports awater meter and allows a depth of the water meter to be changed;

FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of a water meter pit enclosure having aportion removed to illustrate a water meter pit insert having a variablelength support which supports a water meter and allows a depth of thewater meter to be changed;

FIG. 17 illustrates the water meter pit enclosure and the water meterpit insert of FIG. 6;

FIG. 18 illustrates an exploded view of the water meter pit insert ofFIG. 16;

FIG. 19 illustrates a depth indicator provided on an interior of thewater meter pit enclosure of FIG. 16;

FIG. 20 illustrates a flexible water line which may be coupled to thewater meter pit insert of FIG. 16 in a relaxed state;

FIG. 21 illustrates the water meter pit insert in a first orientationand a second orientation in phantom;

FIG. 22 illustrates the water meter pit insert of FIG. 16 at a firstlength placing the water meter at a first depth;

FIG. 23 illustrates the water meter pit of FIG. 16 at a second lengthshorter than the first length of FIG. 22 and placing the water meter ata second, deeper depth;

FIG. 24 is a representative view of the water meter pit insert of FIG.16 to illustrate air flow through the interior of the water meter pitinsert;

FIG. 25 is a representative view of the water meter pit insert of FIG.16 to illustrate air flow through the interior of the water meter pitinsert;

FIG. 26 illustrates a side view of an alternate lower support of thewater meter pit insert of FIG. 6;

FIG. 27 illustrates an alternate upper support of the water meter pitinsert of FIG. 16 supporting more than one water meter;

FIG. 28 illustrates a representative view of a water meter pit enclosureand a water meter pit insert having a support which supports a watermeter and a lifting apparatus coupled to the support to change a depthof the water meter;

FIG. 29 illustrates a water meter pit enclosure having a portion removedto illustrate a water meter pit insert having a variable length supportwhich supports a water meter and allows a depth of the water meter to bechanged and a handle apparatus;

FIG. 30 illustrates the coupling of the handle apparatus to the watermeter pit insert;

FIG. 31 illustrates a positioning of an upper portion of the handleapparatus of FIG. 29 when the water meter pit insert is in a loweredposition;

FIG. 32 illustrates a portion of the water meter pit insert of FIG. 29;

FIG. 33 illustrates the handle apparatus of FIG. 29 passing through anopening in a lid of the water meter pit enclosure of FIG. 29;

FIG. 34 illustrates the handle apparatus of FIG. 29 being supported bythe lid of the water meter pit enclosure when the water meter is in araised position;

FIG. 35 illustrates the handle apparatus rotated from the position ofFIG. 34 to a side of the opening of the lid of the water meter pitenclosure;

FIG. 36 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 29 with the handleapparatus in the position shown in FIG. 35 positioning the water meterin a service position;

FIG. 37 illustrates a water meter pit enclosure having markers attachedto an exterior of the water meter pit enclosure, the markers beingmoveable relative to the water meter pit enclosure;

FIG. 38 illustrates the water meter pit enclosure of FIG. 37 with themarkers in a raised position and with a flag coupled to the markers;

FIG. 39 illustrates the water meter pit enclosure of FIG. 38 placed in ahole in the ground and the markers placed in a raised position;

FIG. 40 illustrates a water meter pit enclosure having a fluid conduitin fluid communication with two portions of the water meter enclosure;

FIG. 41 illustrates the system of FIG. 40 wherein the fluid conduitterminates proximate a water meter within the water meter enclosure;

FIGS. 42-44 illustrate a water meter pit enclosure and a removablemarker apparatus.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. Unless stated otherwise the drawings areproportional.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of the invention described herein are not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed.Rather, the embodiments selected for description have been chosen toenable one skilled in the art to practice the invention. Although thedisclosure is described as in the context of water meter placement, itshould be understood that the concepts presented may be used in variousapplications and should not be limited to use in connection with watermeter placement.

Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary water meter pit enclosure 100 isshown. Water pit enclosure 100 includes a first lower opening 102 toreceive an inlet water line 104 (which when installed is coupled to awater source 306 such as a municipality water line (see FIG. 14)) and asecond lower opening 106 to receive an outlet water line 108 (which wheninstalled is coupled to a water user 308 such as a building (see FIG.14)). Water pit enclosure 100 is located in the ground such that anupper portion 110 is generally at ground level and openings 102 and 106are below ground level. Upper portion 110 includes a recess 112 toreceive a cover (not shown). The cover may be removable and/or mayinclude an access door. Additional details regarding water pit enclosure100 may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,747,687 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,131,the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein.Water pit enclosure 100 is an exemplary water meter pit. The water pitinsert 120 illustrated in FIG. 4 may be used with other sizes and shapesof water meter pits.

Referring to FIG. 4, a water meter pit insert 120 is received in aninterior 116 of water pit enclosure 100. Referring to FIG. 6, water pitinsert 120 provides a support for a water meter 122. Exemplary watermeters 122 are available from Master Meter, Inc., Located at 101 RegencyParkway, Mansfield Tex. 76063. Additional details regarding an exemplarymeter are provided U.S. Pat. No. 6,819,292, the disclosure of which isexpressly incorporated by reference.

Water pit insert 120 includes a lower member 124 and an upper member126. Lower member 124 and upper member 126 are coupled together throughan upstanding member 128. As illustrated, lower member 124 includes twosections of PVC pipe coupled to a T-fitting and upper member 126includes two sections of PVC pipe connected to a T-fitting. The twoT-fittings are coupled to upstanding member 128. Although, water pitinsert 120 is shown as being made of PVC sections and T-fittings coupledtogether water pit insert 120 may be made of a single component, such asan injection molded component. In one embodiment, water pit insert 120is made of a non-corrosive material which will not degrade when incontact with water. Exemplary materials include polymer based materials.

Lower member 124 includes opening 130 and opening 132. Inlet water line104 passes through an open end of lower member 124 and through opening130. Outlet water line 108 passes through an open end of lower member124 and through opening 132. In one embodiment, inlet water line 104 andoutlet water line 108 do not pass through the interior of lower member124. Each of inlet water line 104 and outlet water line 108 pass throughopenings in upper member 126 and are coupled to coupler 134 and coupler136, respectively.

Couplers 134 and 136 couple to water meter 122. Couplers 134 and 136 arecoupled to upper member 126 to minimize the movement of water meter 122relative to water pit insert 120. Coupler 134 includes a valve toshutoff the flow of water from inlet water line 104 to water meter 122.An upper portion 135 of coupler 134 is rotatably to actuate the valveand permit flow of water to water meter 122 or to prevent the flow ofwater to water meter 122. The valve may be locked in the closed positionby passing a padlock through the openings provided in coupler 134 andillustrated in FIG. 4.

Lower member 124 includes an opening 138 and an opening 140 whichreceive support 142 and support 144, respectively (see FIG. 5).Referring to FIG. 5, support 142 and support 144 span the interior 116of water pit enclosure 100 and are held in place by caps 146. As shownin FIG. 5, caps 146 are positioned on the exterior of water pitenclosure 100. As such, support 142 and support 144 pass throughopenings in the sides of water pit enclosure 100.

Water pit insert 120 provides a stable support for water meter 122 andmaintains the location of water meter 122 relative to water pitenclosure 100. Referring to FIG. 4, a spacer 150 is shown in thelocation of water meter 122. As represented by the location of thespacer 150, water meter 122 would be located generally in the center ofthe interior 116 of water pit enclosure 100. In one embodiment, thelocation of water meter 122 may be offset to one side or one end ofwater pit enclosure 100. By having at least two supports (support 142and support 144) to couple water pit insert 120 to water pit enclosure100, water pit insert 120 is generally fixed in space relative to waterpit enclosure 100. In one embodiment, more than two supports couplewater pit insert 120 to water pit enclosure 100. In one embodiment,water pit insert 120 is configured to couple to water pit enclosure 100by other means than support 142 and support 144. In one embodiment,water pit insert 120 may be received in a channel or other featureformed on water pit enclosure 100 and/or water pit insert 120 and waterpit enclosure 100 include cooperating features to couple water pitinsert 120 to water pit enclosure 100.

In one embodiment, water pit insert 120 is assembled in the followingmanner. Upper member 126 and lower member 124 are assembled. Openings139 and 141 (see FIG. 7) in upper member 126 and lower member 124 aremade for inlet water line 104 and outlet water line 108. Openings 138and 140 are made for support 142 and support 144 respectively. In oneembodiment, the openings in lower member 124 and upper member 126 aremade with a template. Lower member 124 and upper member 126 areassembled to upstanding member 128. The various components of lowermember 124, upper member 126, and upstanding member 128 may be coupledtogether with an adhesive. Exemplary adhesives include PVC cement orother suitable adhesives.

Fittings are coupled to the ends of inlet water line 104 and outletwater line 108. These fittings are coupled to coupler 134 and coupler136. In one embodiment, these fittings are threaded and interact withthreads of coupler 134 and coupler 136. In one embodiment, thesefittings are integrally formed with couplers 134 and 136.

Spacer 150 is coupled to coupler 134 and coupler 136. In one embodiment,coupler 134, coupler 136 and spacer 150 each include threads and arecoupled together thereby. The assembly of spacer 150, coupler 134,coupler 136, inlet water line 104, and outlet water line 108 isassembled to water pit insert 120. In one embodiment, inlet water line104 and outlet water line 108 are feed through the respective openingsin upper member 126 and lower member 124 until the fittings of inletwater line 104 and outlet water line 108 contact upper member 126. Theassembly of water pit insert 120 and spacer 150, coupler 134, coupler136, inlet water line 104, and outlet water line 108 may be provided toa customer which assembles the assembly to water pit enclosure 100 orthe same entity may assemble the assembly to water pit enclosure 100.

Referring to FIG. 2A, a template 152 may be provided to locate theopenings 156 in water pit enclosure 100 to receive support 142 ansupport 144. As represented in FIG. 2A, template 152 cooperates withrecess 112 to register template 152 relative to water pit enclosure 100.In one embodiment, template 152 has a width which corresponds to thelength of recess 112 such that openings 154 in template 152 are locatedcorrectly along the side of water pit enclosure 100. Openings 154provide the locations for openings 156 on both sides of water pitenclosure 100. Openings 156 are drilled in water pit enclosure 100 basedon the location of openings 154. In one embodiment, openings 156 areformed in water pit enclosure 100. Caps 146 are placed on one end ofeach of support 142 and support 144. Support 142 and support 144 arepassed through openings 156 on a first side of water pit enclosure 100and are then passed through the corresponding openings 138 and 140 inlower member 124. Finally, support 142 and support 144 are passedthrough openings 156 on the second side of water pit enclosure 100 andcapped with caps 146. In one embodiment, caps 146 are coupled to support142 and support 144 with an adhesive. Support 142 and support 144 aremade of a generally rigid plastic, but provide some flexure to assist inthe assembly of water meter pit insert 120 to water pit enclosure 100.

Spacer 150 may be replaced with an water meter 122. The completedassembly may then be shipped to the installation site or customer forinstallation. Exemplary customers include homeowners, builders,excavation contractors, hardware stores, plumbing supply stores, andother suitable users or sellers. In one embodiment, the completedassembly is provided to the customer with spacer 150 instead of with aspecific water meter 122 to permit the customer to select the desiredwater meter 122.

Referring to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, upper member 126 supports a yokebar 160 which in turn supports water meter 122. An exemplary yoke bar isavailable from Mueller located at 500 W. Eldorado Street, Decatur, Ill.62522.

Referring to FIGS. 8-13 another exemplary water pit enclosure 200 andwater pit insert 220 are shown. Referring to FIG. 8, water pit enclosure200 is shown. Water pit enclosure 200 includes a first lower opening 202to receive inlet water line 104 and a second lower opening 206 toreceive outlet water line 108. Water pit enclosure 200 is located in theground such that an upper portion 210 is generally at ground level andopenings 202 and 206 are below ground level. Upper portion 210 includesa recess 212 to receive a cover (not shown). The cover may be removableand/or may includes a access door. Additional details regarding waterpit enclosure 200 may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,747,687 and U.S. Pat.No. 6,164,131, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated byreference herein. The water pit insert 220 illustrated in FIGS. 11-13may be used with other sizes and shapes of water meter pits.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, water pit insert 220 is received in aninterior 216 of water pit enclosure 200. Water pit insert 220, likewater pit insert 120, provides a support for a water meter 122.

Water pit insert 220 includes an upper member 226 like upper member 126of water pit insert 120. Upper member 226 is coupled to an upstandingmember 228. Upper member 226 and upstanding member 228 are structurallysimilar to upper member 126 and upstanding member 128. Upstanding member228 is longer than upstanding member 128 due to the increased height ofwater pit enclosure 200 relative to water pit enclosure 100. Further,upstanding member 228 includes an opening 224 which is positioneddirectly below the location of water meter 122. Warm air at the bottomof water pit enclosure 200 may travel up through the interior 229 (seeFIG. 12) of upstanding member 228 and through opening 224 to warm alower side of water meter 122. Like upper member 126 and upstandingmember 128, upper member 226 and upstanding member 228 are made of anon-corrosive material which will not degrade when in contact withwater. Exemplary materials include polymer based materials.

Each of inlet water line 104 and outlet water line 108 pass throughopenings in upper member 226 and are coupled to coupler 134 and coupler136, respectively. Couplers 134 and 136 couple to water meter 122.Couplers 134 and 136 are coupled to upper member 226 to minimize themovement of water meter 122 relative to water pit insert 220.

Upper member 226 and upstanding member 228 each include one or moreopenings to receive support 240, support 242, and support 244,respectively. Referring to FIG. 11, support 240, support 242, andsupport 244 span interior 216 of water pit enclosure 200 and are held inplace by caps 146. As shown in FIG. 8, caps 146 are positioned on theexterior of water pit enclosure 200. As such, support 240, support 242,and support 244 pass through openings in the sides of water pitenclosure 200. The location of the openings in water pit enclosure 200for support 240, support 242, and support 244 may be located with atemplate in a similar fashion as to how template 152 locates openings156 in water pit enclosure 100.

Water pit insert 220 provides a stable support for water meter 122 andmaintains the location of water meter 122 relative to water pitenclosure 200. Referring to FIG. 11, spacer 150 is shown in the locationof water meter 122. As represented by the location of the spacer 150,water meter 122 would be located generally in the center of interior 216of water pit enclosure 200. In one embodiment, the location of watermeter 122 may be offset to one side or one end of water pit enclosure200. By having at least two supports (at least two of support 240,support 242, and support 244) to couple water pit insert 220 to waterpit enclosure 200, water pit insert 220 is generally fixed in spacerelative to water pit enclosure 200. In one embodiment, more than threesupports couple water pit insert 220 to water pit enclosure 200. In oneembodiment, water pit insert 220 is configured to couple to water pitenclosure 200 by means other than support 240, support 242, and support244. In one embodiment, water pit insert 220 may be received in achannel or other feature formed on water pit enclosure 200 and/or waterpit insert 220 and water pit enclosure 200 include cooperating featuresto couple water pit insert 220 to water pit enclosure 200.

In one embodiment, water pit insert 220 is assembled in the followingmanner. Upper member 226 is assembled. Openings corresponding toopenings 139 and 141 in water pit enclosure 100 (see FIG. 7) are made inupper member 226. Further, opening 224 is made in upper member 226. Inone embodiment, the openings in upper member 226 are made with atemplate. Upper member 226 is assembled to upstanding member 228. Thevarious components of upper member 226 and upstanding member 228 may becoupled together with an adhesive.

Coupler 134 and coupler 136 are coupled to the ends of inlet water line104 and outlet water line 108. Spacer 150 is coupled to coupler 134 andcoupler 136. In one embodiment, coupler 134, coupler 136 and spacer 150each include threads and are coupled together thereby. The assembly ofspacer 150, coupler 134, coupler 136, inlet water line 104, and outletwater line 108 is assembled to water pit insert 220. In one embodiment,inlet water line 104 and outlet water line 108 are feed through therespective openings in upper member 126 and lower member 124. Theassembly of water pit insert 220 and spacer 150, coupler 134, coupler136, inlet water line 104, and outlet water line 108 may be provided toa customer which assembles the assembly to water pit enclosure 200 orthe same entity may assemble the assembly to water pit enclosure 200.

Caps 146 are placed on one end of each of support 240, support 242, andsupport 244. Support 240, support 242, and support 244 are passedthrough the openings of water pit enclosure 200 on a first side of waterpit enclosure 200 and are then passed through the corresponding openingsin upper member 226 and upstanding member 228. Finally, support 240,support 242, and support 244 are passed through the openings on a secondside of water pit enclosure 200 and capped with caps 146. In oneembodiment, caps 146 are coupled to support 240, support 242, andsupport 244 with an adhesive.

Spacer 150 may be replaced with a water meter 122. The completedassembly may then be shipped to the installation site or customer forinstallation. Exemplary customers include homeowners, builders,excavation contractors, hardware stores, plumbing supply stores, andother suitable users or sellers. In one embodiment, the completedassembly is provided to the customer with spacer 150 instead of with aspecific water meter 122 to permit the customer to select the desiredwater meter 122.

Similar to upper member 126, in one embodiment, upper member 226supports a yoke bar 160 which in turn supports water meter 122.

Both water pit insert 120 and water pit insert 220 represent insertswhereby the position of water meter 122 is fixed relative to therespective water pit enclosure 100 and water pit enclosure 200. In oneembodiment, an insert may be provided that has a variable length topermit the changing of the depth of water meter 122; the verticallocation of water meter 122 relative to the water pit enclosure.

Referring to FIG. 14, an exemplary water meter pit enclosure 300 isrepresented. Water meter pit enclosure 300 is a cylindrical enclosurecapped by a lid 302 having a removable cover 304. A water meter pitinsert 320 is represented. Water meter pit insert 320 includes a metersupport 322 and a variable length support 324. Support 322 provides asupport for coupler 134, coupler 136, and water meter 122. In oneembodiment, support 322 is upper member 226.

Variable length support 324 supports support 322 and may be coupled topit enclosure 300 or free standing relative to pit enclosure 300. In oneembodiment, variable length support 324 rests on the ground 305 at thebottom of pit enclosure 300 when installed. The length of variablelength support 324 or a portion variable length support 324 may bealtered to change the depth “d” of water meter 122 below ground level.Once pit enclosure 300 is installed in the ground, it is desired to keepwater meter 122 at a lower level in pit enclosure 300 to prevent thewater in water meter 122 from freezing and damaging water meter 122 andwasting water. In one embodiment, the depth of water meter 122 should beat least 16 inches below grade, at least 24 inches below grade, at least33 inches below grade, or at least 34 inches below grade. However,having water meter 122 at that lower depth makes it hard to servicewater meter 122 or read water meter 122 through removable cover 304.Variable length support 324 may be used to raise water meter 122 and/orsupport water meter in a raised position to assist in the servicingand/or reading of water meter 122 through removable cover 304.

Referring to FIG. 15, in one embodiment, variable length support 324 isa pneumatic support 330. Pneumatic support 330 includes a base portion332 which provides stability for the remainder of variable lengthsupport 324. Variable length support 324 also includes a housing 334which contains a moveable piston 336. Piston 336 is moveable indirection 342 and direction 344. Piston 336 supports a support member340 which in turn supports meter support 322. An air chamber 338 belowpiston 336 is in fluid communication with an air line 346. Air line 346may be coupled to a source of pressurized air by a technician who wantsto raise water meter 122 in direction 342. By providing air to airchamber 338, piston 336 is forced in direction 342 causing water meter122 to move in direction 342. Once the source of air is disconnectedfrom air line 346 and/or a bleed valve in fluid communication with airline 346 is opened, the pressurized air in air chamber 338 escapescausing piston 336 to move in direction 344 due in part to the weight ofwater meter 122. This lowers water meter 122 in direction 344. In oneembodiment, air line 346 may be tethered to the side of pit enclosure300 when not in use.

Referring to FIG. 16, another embodiment of a variable length support324 is shown. Also, a corrugated water meter pit enclosure 348 is shown.In one embodiment, water meter pit enclosure 348 is about 50 inchestall. Referring to FIG. 18, a base support 352 is coupled to a firstupstanding support 354. As illustrated, base support 352 includes twosections of PVC pipe coupled to a T-fitting and upstanding supportmember 354 includes a section of PVC pipe connected to the sameT-fitting. Support 322 is illustrated as upper member 226 which iscoupled to an upstanding support member 356. As illustrated, uppermember 226 includes two sections of PVC pipe coupled to a T-fitting andupstanding support member 356 includes a section of PVC pipe connectedto the same T-fitting. In one embodiment, variable length support 324 ismade of a non-corrosive material which will not degrade when in contactwith water. Exemplary materials include polymer based materials.Although, the embodiment of variable length support 324 in FIG. 18 isshown as being made of PVC sections and fittings coupled together eachof support 322 and variable length support 324 may be made of a singlecomponent, such as an injection molded component.

Upstanding support member 354 receives upstanding support member 356 asshown in FIG. 16. Returning to FIG. 18, upstanding support member 354includes a longitudinal slot 360 and a plurality of slots 362(illustratively nine slots 362A-I). Upstanding support member 356includes a locator 366 extending from upstanding support member 356. Inone embodiment, locator 366 is a pin which extends beyond the exteriorof upstanding support member 356. Locator 366 is received inlongitudinal slot 360 and may travel up and down longitudinal slot 360in directions 342 and 344. Locator 366 may also pass into slots 362.When in one of slots 362 the vertical position of upstanding supportmember 356 relative to upstanding support member 354 is fixed and thus aheight of water meter 122 is fixed. As illustrated there are nine slots362 to provide nine discrete heights of water meter 122. In oneembodiment, there are five slots 362 at about two inch intervals toprovide about 10 inches of adjustment to the height of water meter 122.Any number of slots 362 may be included and the spacing of slots 362 maybe selected based on the desired granularity of adjustment. In oneembodiment, the spacing of slots 362 is uniform. In one embodiment, thespacing of slots 362 is non-uniform. In one embodiment, water meter pitenclosure 348 is about 50 inches tall and there are five slots 362 atabout two inch intervals to provide about 10 inches of adjustment.

Referring to FIG. 21, support 322 is shown in its normal orientation. Inthis orientation, locator 366 is located in one of the plurality ofslots 362. Support 322 generally stays in this orientation due to thebiasing of inlet water line 104 and outlet water line 108 which resistthe rotating of support 322 in direction 370. When support 322 isrotated in direction 370, locator 366 is aligned with longitudinal slot360 and support 322 may be moved in direction 342 and direction 344.

In order to rotate support 322, a technician removes removable cover 304and reaches through the opening 303 in lid 302. The technician graspseither water meter 122 or support 322 and rotates it in direction 370.Once locator 366 is aligned with longitudinal slot 360 (when support 322is located as shown in phantom in FIG. 21), the technician may raisewater meter 122 in direction 342 or lower water meter 122 in direction344. Once water meter 122 is at the desired vertical position, support322 may be rotated in direction 372 (assuming the desired heightcorresponds to locator 366 aligning with one of plurality of slots 362).This causes locator 366 to enter the corresponding one of the pluralityof slots 362 and maintain the height of water meter 122 once thetechnician releases water meter 122 or support 322.

As shown in FIG. 19, an interior wall 380 of pit enclosure 348 mayinclude a depth indicator 382. In one embodiment, depth indicator 382corresponds to a desired depth for water meter 122, As such, atechnician when lowering water meter 122 in direction 344 knows thatwhen support 322 reaches depth indicator 382 then water meter 122 is atthe appropriate depth below ground level.

Referring to FIG. 20, in one embodiment, inlet water line 104 is formedin a generally S-shape to facilitate the bending of inlet water line 104without kinking and without excessive resistance to the movement ofwater meter 122 in direction 344. This is illustrated in FIGS. 22 and23.

In general, inlet water line 104 is flexible. However, by shaping inletwater line 104 so that in its relaxed state it has a generally S-shapethe movement of water meter 122 is easier. Inlet water line may beshaped by placing the water line on a template having the shape of FIG.20 and then heating the water line to set the relaxed stated (whencooled) of the water line to the shape of FIG. 20. In one embodiment,inlet water line 104 is a polymer based water line. In one embodiment,inlet water line 104 is a polyethylene water line. In one embodiment,inlet water line 104 is a Model No. PE 3408 based BLUE ICE brand waterline available from Charter Plastics located at 221 South Perry Streetin Titusville, Pa. 16354. In one embodiment, outlet water line 108 ismade of the same material and same shape as inlet water line 104.

Referring to FIG. 26, in one embodiment, first upstanding support 354includes plurality of slots 362 on both sides of longitudinal slot 360.In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of slots 362 are aligned oneach side of longitudinal slot 360. In one embodiment, the left sideplurality of slots 362 are offset vertically relative to the right sideplurality of slots 362; thereby providing a finer granularity to theincrements of height adjustment.

In the discussions so far, a single water meter 122 is supported.However, each of the water meter pit inserts disclosed herein may beused to support multiple water meters 122. Referring to FIG. 27, anexemplary support 390 for two water meters 122 is shown.

Returning to FIG. 18, in addition to providing support for water meter122, the variable length support as shown in FIG. 18 also provides heatto water meter 122. As shown in FIG. 18, base support 350 includesopenings 392 through which warm air enters an interior of base support350. Referring to FIG. 22, this warm air will travel through theinterior 396 of first upstanding support 354 and the interior 396 ofupstanding support member 356. This warm air exits opening 224 in uppermember 226 and provides heat to the lower side of water meter 122. Thewarm air may also contact inlet water line 104 and outlet water line 108within upper member 226. In one embodiment, the ends of upper member 226are capped with end caps to prevent the warm air from exiting the endsof upper member 226. This flow of air is represented in FIGS. 24 and 25.

An exemplary embodiment of the system described in connection with FIG.18 is illustrated in FIGS. 29-33 of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/127,324, filed May 12, 2008, titled METER PIT APPARATUS,docket TZ-P0002, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated byreference herein. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 29-33 of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/127,324 provides up to 10inches of adjustment of the height of water meter 122.

Referring to FIG. 28, another embodiment of a variable length support324 is shown. Base support 350 and upstanding support member 354 areprovided. Upstanding support member 354, in this embodiment, includeslongitudinal slot 360, but does not include slots 362. Upstandingsupport member 356 and upper member 226 are provided. Upper member 226supports a water meter 122 as explained herein.

Locator 366 has been replaced with a lifting arm 400 which is coupled toa lifting apparatus 402. In the illustrated embodiment, liftingapparatus 402 is a type of linear actuator which acts upon lifting arm400. Other suitable types of lifting apparatus 402 may be used. In oneembodiment, a pneumatic lifting apparatus may be used.

Lifting apparatus 402 is coupled to pit enclosure 348 through a pair ofanchors 404 and 406. Lifting apparatus 402 includes a housing 408. Inone embodiment, housing 408 is a metal pipe. Exemplary metal pipesinclude steel pipes. In the case of a metal pipe, anchors 404 and 406may be welded to housing 408. Housing 408 is capped at one end with acap 410 and includes a cover 412 at the other end. Cover 412 includes anopening through which a rod 414 extends.

Lifting arm 400 is coupled to rod 414 outside of housing 408. In theillustrated embodiment, lifting arm 400 is positioned between a firstflange 416 and a second flange 418 of rod 414. In one embodiment, firstflange 416 and second flange 418 are washers welded to rod 414. Rod 414is rotatable relative to lifting arm 400. In the illustrated embodiment,the portion of rod 414 from first flange 416 to the upper end of rod 414is generally smooth while the portion of rod 414 below first flange 416is threaded. The threads of rod 414 engage a threaded member 420positioned within housing 408 and fixed relative to housing 408. In oneembodiment, a nut is coupled to the interior of housing 408 and servesas threaded member 420. In one embodiment, cover 412 is the threadedmember 420.

The upper end of rod 414 includes an engagement member 430 which isengaged with a tool 434 to rotate rod 414 relative to threaded member420. In one embodiment, engagement member 430 is a hexagonal nut weldedto rod 414 which may be engaged by a socket. In the illustratedembodiment, tool 434 is a drill 436 having a socket 438 coupled to theend thereof. An exemplary drill is a battery operated drill.

By rotating rod 414 relative to threaded member 420 rod 414 is eitheradvanced in direction 342 or in direction 344 depending upon thedirection of rotation of rod 414. By advancing rod 414 in direction 342,rod 414 is translated in direction 342 which in turn moves lifting arm400 in direction 342 due to the capture of lifting arm 400 between firstflange 416 and second flange 418. The movement of lifting arm 400 indirection 342 causes the movement of water meter 122 in direction 342due to the connection of lifting arm 400 to upstanding support member356. As such, water meter 122 may be raised by the actuation of liftingapparatus 402. In the same manner, water meter 122 may be lowered indirection 344 by the rotation of rod 414 in the opposite direction. Theinterior of housing 408, in one embodiment, is filled with a lubricantto facilitate the movement of rod 414 relative to threaded member 420.In the illustrated embodiment, a guide member 421 is coupled to a lowerend of rod 414. Guide member 421 keeps rod 414 centered in housing 408and provides a limit to the advancement of rod 414 in direction 342 whenguide member 421 contacts threaded member 420.

Referring to FIG. 29, another embodiment 500 of variable length support324 is shown in a water meter pit enclosure 501. Referring to FIG. 32,base support 350 is provided. Base support 350 is coupled to anupstanding support 502. Upstanding support 502 has the sameconfiguration as upstanding support member 354 except that upstandingsupport 502 only includes longitudinal slot 360, not slots 362. Support356 is provided and is coupled to upper member 226. Upstanding supportmember 356 is moveably coupled to upstanding support member 502. Alocator 366 is coupled to upstanding support member 356 and moves withinlongitudinal slot 360.

Referring to FIG. 30, a handle apparatus 510 is coupled to upper member226. Handle apparatus 510 includes a rotatable member 512 which passesthrough an opening through the T-fitting of upper member 226. Rotatablemember 512 is coupled to a first elongated handle member 514 and asecond elongated handle member 516. Rotatable member 512 is rotatablerelative to upper member 226. Rotatable member 512 is centered in uppermember 226 such that handle apparatus 510 lifts water meter 122 directlybelow water meter 122 to provide a balanced weight.

Returning to FIG. 29, water meter pit enclosure 501 is capped by a lid520 which has an access opening 522 therein (see FIG. 31). Accessopening may be covered with a removable cover. Referring to FIG. 31, inthe lowered position first elongated handle member 514 and secondelongated handle member 516 rest against the underside of lid 520. Inone embodiment, first elongated handle member 514 and second elongatedhandle member 516 serve as a brace to prevent water meter 122 frommoving in direction 342 when first elongated handle member 514 andsecond elongated handle member 516 rest against the underside of lid520.

First elongated handle member 514 and second elongated handle member 516also serve as a handle for a technician to raise water meter 122 toservice water meter 122 and/or read water meter 122. A technician wouldremove the removable cover from lid 520 and reach through access opening522 to grab first elongated handle member 514 and second elongatedhandle member 516. As shown in FIG. 33, the technician brings the endsof first elongated handle member 514 and second elongated handle member516 through access opening 522 to raise water meter 122. As shown inFIG. 33, first elongated handle member 514 and second elongated handlemember 516 may be bowed by the technician to permit support member 532and support member 534 to pass through access opening 522. Supportmember 532 is coupled to first elongated handle member 514 and supportmember 534 is coupled to second elongated handle member 516. As shown inFIGS. 34 and 35, support member 532 and support member 534 rest againstan upper lip 528 of lid 520 to hold water meter 122 in a raisedposition. Spacer 150 is shown in the place of water meter 122.

The embodiment 500 shown in FIGS. 29-36 provides up to about 19 inchesof adjustment of the height of water meter 122 and raises water meter122 to a depth of only about 14 inches when support members 532 and 534are resting against lip 528. In one embodiment, water meter 122 is at adepth of up to 14 inches when in a raised service position and a depthof at least about 33 inches when in a lowered position. In oneembodiment, water meter pit enclosure 501 is about 67.5 inches tall. Inone embodiment, the height of the water meter 12 may be adjusted throughabout 28% of the height of the water meter pit enclosure 501.

As shown in FIG. 32, a stop 515 is provided to limit the movement ofupstanding support member 356 in direction 342. Stop 515 preventsupstanding support member 356 from being accidentally removed fromupstanding support 502.

Referring to FIGS. 37 and 38, a water meter pit enclosure 600 is shown.Water meter pit enclosure 600 is shown as a cylindrical enclosure, butany shape may be implemented. Water meter pit enclosure 600 includes apair of markers 602 which are coupled to an exterior of water meter pitenclosure 600 through straps 604. In one embodiment, straps 604 arescrewed to water meter pit enclosure 600. When water meter pit enclosure600 is placed in the ground (see FIG. 39) markers 602 are raised toindicate the location of water meter pit enclosure 600. As shown inFIGS. 38 and 39, in the raised position markers 602 have a flag 610spanning between them. An exemplary flag 610 is caution tape. In oneembodiment, a lower portion of markers 602 includes a stop feature toprevent markers 602 from being removed from straps 604. In oneembodiment, markers 602 are removed from water meter pit enclosure 600at a later time, such as the completion of construction. In oneembodiment, straps 604 are coupled to an interior wall of water meterpit enclosure 600 and markers 602 are placed on the interior of watermeter pit enclosure 600.

FIG. 40, illustrates an exemplary water meter pit enclosure 700. Watermeter pit enclosure 700 has placed therein a water meter 122 which issupported by a support 702. Support 702 may be any type of suitablesupport. In one embodiment, one of the supports discussed herein may beimplemented. Water meter pit enclosure 700 includes at least oneexternal fluid conduit 704. Fluid conduit 704 is in fluid communicationwith a lower portion of water meter pit enclosure 700 through a firstopening 706 and with a higher portion of water meter pit enclosure 700through a second opening 708. Fluid conduit 704 provides warm air fromthe lower portion of water meter pit enclosure 700 to the higher portion708 of water meter pit enclosure 700 proximate to water meter 122. Theair is further warmed by the contact of fluid conduit 704 with theground external to water meter pit enclosure 700. FIG. 41 illustratesthe arrangement of FIG. 40 with fluid conduit 704 extending further intothe interior of water meter pit enclosure 700 to be in closer proximityof water meter 122. In one embodiment, water meter 122 is supported byupper member 226 and fluid conduit 704 is in fluid communication withthe interior of upper member 226.

Referring to FIGS. 42-44, illustrates a marker apparatus 650 for usewith water meter pit enclosure 600. Marker apparatus 650 includes aplurality of markers 652 which are coupled to a support 654. Markerapparatus 650 is placed over a top portion 601 of water meter pitenclosure 600. Support is sized to position markers 652 around anexterior of water meter pit enclosure 600. As shown in FIG. 44, each ofmarkers 652 include a slot 656 such that a lower portion of each marker652 is positioned along a side of water meter pit enclosure 600 and astop surface 658 of each marker rests on top portion 601 of water meterpit enclosure 600.

As shown in FIG. 43, one of markers 652 houses a flag which may beremoved from the marker 652 and placed around markers 652 as shown inFIG. 44. An exemplary flag 660 is caution tape.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference tocertain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as described and defined in thefollowing claims.

1. An apparatus for housing a water meter which is connected to a firstwater line and a second water line such that water flows from the firstwater line through the water meter and to the second water line, theapparatus comprising: a water meter pit enclosure; and a water meter pitinsert positioned within an interior of the water meter pit enclosure,the water meter pit insert supporting the water meter, the water meterpit insert being spaced apart from the water flowing from the firstwater line through the water meter and to the second water line andhaving a variable length to adjust a depth of the water meter from a topportion of the water meter pit enclosure.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the water meter pit insert includes discrete lengthscorresponding to discrete depths of the water meter from the top portionof the water meter pit enclosure.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, whereinthe water meter pit insert includes an upper portion and a lowerportion, the upper portion being slidably engaged with the lowerportion.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the upper portion includesa first upstanding support member which is arranged in a telescopingarrangement with a second upstanding support member of the lowerportion.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein one of the firstupstanding support member and the second upstanding support member has alocator coupled thereto which is received in a plurality of slots of theother of the first upstanding support member and the second upstandingsupport member.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the plurality ofslots includes a longitudinal slot and a plurality of transverse slotswhich intersect with the longitudinal slot, wherein when the locator ispositioned in the longitudinal slot the first upstanding support memberis translatable relative to the second upstanding support member toadjust the length of the water meter pit insert and when the locator isin one of the plurality of transverse slots the first upstanding supportmember is rotatable relative to the second upstanding support member. 7.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the water meter pit insert includes aninterior having a first opening located proximate a lower portion of thewater meter pit insert and a second opening located proximate a locationof the water meter, wherein airs flows from the first opening throughthe interior of the water meter pit insert and out of the secondopening.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the water meter pit insertincludes an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion beingslidably engaged with the lower portion.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8,wherein the position of the upper portion of the water meter pit insertrelative to the lower portion of the water meter pit insert iscontrolled by a pneumatic system.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, whereinthe pneumatic system includes an air chamber supported by the lowerportion of the water meter pit insert and a piston disposed within theair chamber, the piston supporting the upper portion of the water meterpit insert.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the air chamber is influid communication with an air line and wherein the upper portion ofthe water meter pit insert is raised by increasing the air pressurewithin the air chamber by communicating pressurized air through the airline.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the air line is tethered toan upper portion of the water meter pit enclosure.
 13. An apparatus forhousing a water meter which is connected to a first water line and asecond water line such that water flows from the first water linethrough the water meter and to the second water line, the apparatuscomprising: a water meter pit enclosure; a water meter supportpositioned within an interior of the water meter pit enclosure, thewater meter support supporting the water meter; and a pneumatic systemcoupled to the water meter support to adjust a depth of the water meterfrom a top portion of the water meter pit enclosure.
 14. The apparatusof claim 13, wherein the water meter support is spaced apart from thewater flowing from the first water line through the water meter and tothe second water line.
 15. An apparatus for housing a water meter whichis connected to a first water line and a second water line such thatwater flows from the first water line through the water meter and to thesecond water line, the apparatus comprising: a water meter pitenclosure; a water meter support positioned within an interior of thewater meter pit enclosure, the water meter support supporting the watermeter; and a lifting apparatus coupled to the water meter support toadjust a depth of the water meter from a top portion of the water meterpit enclosure, the lifting apparatus including a linear actuator. 16.The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the linear actuator has a firstlength corresponding to a first depth of the water meter and a secondlength corresponding to a second depth of the water meter.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 16, wherein the lifting apparatus includes a liftingarm supporting the water meter support, the lifting arm being coupled tothe linear actuator and moveable therewith such that when the linearactuator has the first length the lifting arm supports the water meterat the first depth and when the linear actuator has the second lengththe lifting arm supports the water meter at the second depth.
 18. Theapparatus of claim 17, wherein the lifting apparatus includes anengagement member operatively coupled to the linear actuator and whichis engageable by a tool introduced through an opening proximate a top ofthe water meter pit enclosure, the tool being able to adjust the lengthof the linear actuator.
 19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the watermeter support is spaced apart from the water flowing from the firstwater line through the water meter and to the second water line.